Accounting for up to 16% of all additive manufacturing applications, the auto industry has embraced 3D printing because it accelerates processes and enables design innovations that would be impossible or economically unfeasible using conventional technologies.

The current trade dispute notwithstanding, China is still the world’s workshop, and manufacturers continue to find good reasons to do business there. One of the first decisions that must be made when considering outsourcing is whether or not to use a broker.

There are several options for producing low-volume plastic parts that achieve commercial quality levels. These processes, normally associated with prototyping, are now increasingly being used for low-volume production.

PLASTEC West, co-located with Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD&M) West and three other leading advanced manufacturing events, will welcome more than 1,900 suppliers showcasing the latest solutions in injection molding, automation, molds and dies, materials, product design and more to Anaheim, CA, on February 5 to 7, 2019. PLASTEC West also features the industry's leading educational offering with the 3D printing and smart manufacturing innovations summits and the MD&M medtech conference. Register to attend today!